Bernie Ecclestone is more used to thrashing out deals with race circuits around the world who want to hold a Formula One grand prix.

But he was found in a contrasting role on Thursday as the F1 supremo joked around with a yeti while helping promote the launch of the Mongol Rally.

As well as sharing high-fives and selfies with the yeti, who is a team mascot for the Lost Yeti Hunters, the 84-year-old also sat in the outfit’s Skoda Fabia which will be driven by Christopher Payne and Antonio D’Angelo.

The launch of the Mongol Rally was held outside of the headquarters of Formula One Group in London.

The charity rally will feature 250 teams who will take part in the 10,000 mile UK to Mongolia course, where the aim is just to finish using what the organisers describe as a ‘farcically small vehicle’.

Ecclestone will get back down to business when the F1 season resumes on July 26, with Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton currently leading the world championship.